Franz Brugger is an expert on the relations between Islam and the West, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. He has worked as an advisor to the UN Alliance of Civilizations and has undertaken extensive academic research on politics and religion.

Director General, Council of Europe

Gabriella Battaini-Dragoni is the Director General of Education, Culture and Heritage, Youth and Sport at the Council of Europe. She is the first woman ever to be nominated to the rank of Director General in the Council of Europe, a post she has held since 2001 when she was appointed Director General of Social Cohesion.

Gareth Evans is the former foreign minister of Australia and the current president and chief executive of International Crisis Group, an independent international non-governmental organization with over 140 staff members on five continents. Through field-based analysis and high-level policy advocacy, this agency works to prevent and resolve deadly conflicts around the world.

Dr Gilles Kepel is Professor and Chair, Middle East and Mediterranean Studies, at the Institut d’Ã‰tudes Politiques de Paris (Sciences Po), where he heads the programs on the Arab and Muslim World, at the PhD, M.A.. and undergraduate levels â€“ the later in Menton (French Riviera). He was also the founder in 2003 and is the current chairman of the Eurogolfe Network. A visiting professor at NYU and Columbia University in 1995-96, Gilles Kepel holds degrees in Arabic, English and Philosophy, is a graduate from Sciences Po and received his PhD in political science.

Dr. Hooshang Amirahmadi is an Iranian academic and political analyst, and professor of the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University, New Jersey. He is also president of the American Iranian Council.